Local youth groups, schools and community organizations in and around Bennington now have a fresh chance to apply for funding aimed at helping young people gather, learn and feel connected.
What the funding covers
The Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth at the Vermont Community Foundation is accepting applications for projects serving Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury and Woodford. The fund is designed to support spaces, activities and opportunities where young people can meet, try new things and build a sense of belonging.
Grants will be considered in four priority areas:
- Youth-led or youth-focused events — gatherings that bring youth together, especially those introducing a new activity or keeping participation barriers low, such as themed camps, festivals, intramural sports or extracurricular clubs.
- Physical or social spaces — projects that create, maintain or expand places where young people can gather and share experiences, formally or informally.
- Access for youth facing hardship — programs that remove financial or logistical obstacles for young people who need extra help to participate.
- Belonging and inclusion — activities that encourage feelings of welcome and increase inclusion across youth communities.
Grant sizes and how many awards
The fund accepts both small and large requests. Small grants range from $500 to $5,000. The program will also consider larger requests up to $10,000, but only one large grant will be awarded each year. Applicants seeking a large award who are not selected for that level will remain eligible for consideration as small grant recipients.
| Grant type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Small grants | $500–$5,000 |
| Large grants | Up to $10,000 (one awarded annually) |
Deadlines and where to apply
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. Interested organizations can find details and apply through the Vermont Community Foundation’s Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth page at vermontcf.org/ofsy.
Why this matters locally
Bennington County is a patchwork of small towns. Opportunities for youth to gather—whether under the roof of a recreation center, on a school field, or at a neighborhood festival—often depend on modest but essential funding. These grants are aimed at lowering the cost and administrative hurdles that can keep innovative or youth-led ideas from getting off the ground.
Examples of the sort of work the fund has supported in the past include youth-organized festivals and community arts projects. One such activity, a community drumming session at a youth-run Juneteenth festival, was backed by a 2024 Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth award to the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union.
About the Vermont Community Foundation
The Vermont Community Foundation, established in 1986, acts as a statewide philanthropy hub, housing more than 1,000 funds, foundations and supporting organizations. The foundation’s family of funds is designed to make it easier for Vermonters to support causes and programs they care about.
Practical steps for applicants
- Review the four priority areas and make sure your project aligns with one or more of them.
- Decide whether to apply for a small grant or request consideration for the single annual large award.
- Gather basic information about your organization, budget, and how your project will increase access or belonging for youth.
- Submit your application at vermontcf.org/ofsy by 5 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2026.
For many smaller community groups, even modest sums can pay for transportation to events, equipment for a club, a short-term coordinator, or materials for a summer camp. The Opportunity Fund is explicitly aimed at projects that lower barriers and encourage participation—small investments that can have outsize effects for young people finding their place in the community.
Local organizations with questions about eligibility or fit should consult the application page for guidance and any contact information the Vermont Community Foundation provides.
